Help improving your work environment
There are plenty of factors that affect your work performance, but there’s one that you might not even realize plays a part: your work environment. For example, if you find yourself working in an uncomfortable chair all day, you might get stressed out more often than if you were sitting in an ergonomic chair. Or maybe you must walk 10 minutes to get to the nearest coffee shop, which makes it less likely that you’ll stop there frequently during the day—especially if it’s winter or the weather is bad. These subtle factors add up and can directly affect your job satisfaction and productivity.
Understand the different kinds of jobs
Every job has its benefits and drawbacks. To figure out which kind of job is right for you, consider your interests, skill set, and needs. It’s easier to improve your work environment and tailor it to your preferences once you have a good idea of what you want. If you already know what kind of job you want, it’s time to start looking for roles that fit that description. If not, don’t worry—it’ll come with time!
Understand how work environments affect you
In our connected, digital world, we may sometimes forget that there’s a huge difference between working remotely and working virtually. The latter is often thought of as a harmless way to spend time at work—and it can be—but you should understand how it affects your ability to build relationships with coworkers and manage projects effectively. At its best, virtual work promotes independent problem-solving and fosters enhanced communication between geographically dispersed teams.
At its worst, remote work encourages employees to slack off because they feel like no one is watching or tracking their progress. To avoid such pitfalls and maintain your professional development, make sure you understand how working virtually affects your career trajectory before jumping into any telecommuting role. This guide from Harvard Business Review offers great insights into managing remote work effectively.
Avoid negative people
Negativity can be a career killer. There are always going to be difficult people around you, and they will try their best to bring you down. Stay away from them—especially if they are unhappy with their own lives. You never know what they might say to hurt your reputation or career prospects. If you’re in a situation where negativity is present, leave immediately. It’s not worth it to stick around and let someone else lower your morale or productivity.
Take advantage of opportunities at work
You never know what’s going to happen at work. It may not feel like you’re in control of your career (you aren’t, really), but there are many ways you can prepare for and take advantage of opportunities when they arise. Things change fast, and you want to be able to capitalize on new responsibilities, promotions, or even just a better desk by the window. If you have an open mind and keep your eyes open, there’s no telling what might come up.
Experiment with new projects
Taking on a new project helps you stay fresh and get outside your comfort zone. This is especially useful if you’re in a work environment that doesn’t encourage variety or if you feel like there aren’t opportunities for growth where you are. Experimenting can also be a great way to discover new passions—even if the project doesn’t go anywhere. If your company encourages side projects, give it a shot! If not, ask around about other departments. Many companies host hack days where employees can try new things—take advantage of these to learn and improve your work environment creatively.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Sure, working in an exciting environment with lots of growth potential can be motivating. But what happens when that stimulating workplace creates long hours and a sedentary lifestyle? If you want to stay healthy and productive throughout your career, it’s essential to strike a balance between work and life.
That means not working on weekends (even if your coworkers are), prioritizing sleep, eating well, exercising, and managing stress. If you build these habits into your routine, they won’t feel like a chore-and they’ll pay off in energy, focus, and long-term career growth
Looking to work in a more supportive and inspiring environment?
Find your next opportunity at jobs.divinosolutions.com